Is 75th Fires Brigade a good unit?

2023-12-01T11:52:26-05:00

I’ve been given the opportunity to potential take a PL slot within the 75th Fires Brigade at Fort Sill. Looking for any information on the unit.

Response by COL Randall C. made Dec 1 at 2023 12:13 PM

2023-12-01T12:13:43-05:00

That is a very general question which can be interpreted by many to mean everything from "is it a high OPTEMPO unit?" to "how is the chow in the DFAC?".

You can go to the usual military and social media sites* to get history on the unit, current leadership and the installation, but you need to be more specific as to what "a good unit" means to you.
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* https://sill-http://www.army.mil/75th_field_artillery_brigade/
* https://www.facebook.com/75FABrigade/
* https://installations.militaryonesource.mil/in-depth-overview/fort-sill

75th Field Artillery Brigade| Fort Sill | Oklahoma | Fires Center of Excellence

Fort Sill’s official website with news, events and information about the post and the people who serve and work here.

Response by SGT Aaron Atwood made Dec 1 at 2023 11:40 PM

2023-12-01T23:40:42-05:00

It's what you make of it. Fort Sill is where I'm stationed now, but not with the 75th. Based on what I've seen and heard be prepared to have your patience tried both down and up; depending on your responsibilities, but of course that goes with any unit.

The base itself isn't that bad although the traffic lights have an infuriatingly bad habit of giving total priority to the side roads.

There are hidden gems in Lawton itself along with the general area; especially if you already have a family. Despite what everyone else will tell you don't rush to getting a Pike Pass for the freeway. You can get anywhere in Oklahoma without having to pay the toll, and the difference in time isn't significant enough to make the Pass worth it to me. Pickup drivers out here have no sense of personal space or to obey the speed limits. Fair warning.

I can think of other stuff to talk about, but rather than make a long long comment how about you message me and pick my brain with the specifics.

Response by 1SG Chad Mcdaniel made Dec 2 at 2023 1:26 AM

2023-12-02T01:26:57-05:00

A long time ago I use to be an IG and 75th fell under 1ID so I would perform inspections about twice a year. Now I'm retired and live outside Fort Sill in Lawton. 75th is like any other unit, it's what you make of it.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Dec 2 at 2023 9:30 AM

2023-12-02T09:30:24-05:00

I had a few friends who were junior Officers in the 75th Fires BDE, though a long time ago by now. They didn't have many complaints about the unit. To me the bigger aspect was being stationed at Ft Sill (where I was based for a year) -- I did not like the base or the surrounding town of Lawton OK at all. But I can see how others could enjoy it if they have a different set of things they appreciate. Wishing you the best of luck!

Response by COL Dan Ruder made Dec 4 at 2023 5:18 PM

2023-12-04T17:18:24-05:00

If you haven't been a PL yet, then YES, this is a good opportunity. But you're asking on social media if an Army unit is "good". You should reverse your perspective -- fight for the job you want/need and if you're good at it then the unit is good.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Dec 6 at 2023 8:05 AM

2023-12-06T08:05:46-05:00

Sir, every unit is what you make of it. In the Field Artillery there are varying cultures. The at large forces on Fort Sill are general support, and those with organic affiliations are far removed from a traditional combat command.

General support makes for a great amount of organizational competition as every unit is similar in construct. Therefore, both units and individuals have to find a way to distinguish themselves.

To elevate one's self to be recognized by the field is more challenging than for example an infantry brigade, as Fort Sill is huge and has nothing but FA units. A much larger pool of peers to contend with for limited recognition and the ability to stand out.

Having said that, for someone who likes to compete, is willing to learn and place others needs above there own, it is a great environment. It is also as easy to try to flow. I don't think you will go with the flow. Listen, learn and take charge.